With DCU films and shows coming soon, collectors have been turning their focus to characters who could appear in these productions. Investors are looking at characters whose comic book appearances are poised for a rise in value as a result. With nearly a century of characters to choose from, we’re taking a look at those who should be the focus of your efforts. This time around, the spotlight will be on Hawkgirl.
First Appearance
Hawkgirl’s first appearance creates an interesting case, one we’ve seen played out in the Silver and later ages but was rarely seen in the Golden Age. That is, a character making an appearance first as their secret identity, and then later appearing as a superhero.
Shiera Sanders, Hawkgirl’s initial secret identity, made her first appearance in the immortal Flash Comics #1 from 1940. There are 88 graded copies in the CGC census. The most recent sales include a 5.0 mid-grade copy selling in a January 15 Heritage auction for $192,000 and a brittle 0.5 grade selling in a June 25 Heritage auction for $27,600.
Regardless of the grade, you’ll pay a lot for this comic, which also includes the first appearances of the Flash, Hawkman, and Johnny Thunder.
Shiera Sanders made her first appearance as Hawkgirl in All-Star Comics #5. Published a year-and-a-half after Flash Comics #1, there are 133 graded copies. A 7.5 grade sold in the December 2022 Heritage auction for $3,960, while a 4.5 sold in a June 4 eBay auction for $2,080. If you’re in the market for Hawkgirl keys, this is definitely one to consider. It’s the first appearance of the Hawkgirl character and it’s much more affordable than Flash Comics #1.
Silver Age Hawkgirl
Hawkgirl made her first appearance in the Silver Age in The Brave and the Bold #34 with her secret identity of Shiera Sanders remaining the same. With this issue also including the first Silver Age appearance of Hawkman, it has always been a desirable collectible. As such, there are 891 graded copies in the CGC census.
There are a number of recent sales to guide us in terms of pricing: an 8.0 selling on June 20 for $2,280, a 6.5 on July 26 for $845, a 4.5 also on July 26 for $414, and a 2.0 on June 13 for $204. All sales are at or near peak for the respective grades, so it may be worth holding back to see where prices go before making a purchase.
Hawkgirl Joins the Justice League
Hawkgirl joined the DC’s premier superhero team in Justice League of America #146. Considered a run filler for JLA completists, there are only 44 graded copies. The two most recent sales tell different stories. A 9.8 sold in the February 2 ComicConnect auction for a record price of $143.
In the exact same auction, a 9.6 sold for just $32, down more than 50% from the previous sale of a slashed $70 in October 2022. Even at a record price the 9.8 is still very affordable and worth considering as part of a Hawkgirl collection.
The Many Identities of Hawkgirl
Hawkgirl and Hawkman were retooled by Timothy Truman in 1989’s Hawkworld #1. At the start of this mini-series, Hawkgirl is called Hawkwoman and is portrayed as Thanagarian Shayera Thal.
With only 26 graded copies and a 9.8 last selling for just $50 on February 28, this could make for a nice investment depending on how the character is portrayed in Superman: Legacy.
Which brings us to All-Star Comics #2 and JSA Secret Files #1. We’ve talked about these 1999 comics before, as All-Star Comics #2 features the first cameo appearances of both Kendra Saunders Hawkgirl and Courtney Whitmore, who would later become Stargirl, while JSA Secret Files #1 gives us the first full appearance of the new Hawkgirl.
There are only five graded copies of All-Star Comics #2, and it currently sports an average $203 price tag for a 9.8. Much easier to find is JSA Secret Files #1 with 127 graded copies. Kendra Saunders is the odds-on favorite to be Hawkgirl in the DCU, although the previous identities can’t be fully ruled out for now.
The safe bet, however, would be to purchase both All-Star Comics #2 and Secret Files #1. You'll likely have to dig through raw collections at shops or shows, though, to find All-Star Comics #2.
Are you excited about Hawkgirl’s inclusion in the DCU? What are your expectations for the associated comic books? Let us know your thoughts below.
*Any perceived investment advice is that of the freelance blogger and does not represent advice on behalf of GoCollect.